FG ute pricing starts at a sharp $27,795 for the base ute cab-chassis, while the range-topping XR6 Turbo and XR8 tested here both send the till ringing at $38,490 - that’s about $2000 and $3000 cheaper than their respective BF MkII predecessors and $1500 less than a Commodore SS ute.
In outright terms the XR8 isn’t spectacularly well equipped, getting climate-control air, cruise control, trip computer, multi-function steering wheel, CD stereo and 17-inch alloys, but it’s thoroughly competitive with other two-seat $40k sporties.
The XR8’s 5.4-litre Boss V8 isn’t undernourished, punching out 290kW of power versus the old model’s 260kW.
Plant the foot and it unleashes a grown-up’s serving of acceleration. If it lacks the searing shove of its XR6 Turbo sibling, its effortless flexibility, pure throttle response and delightful soundtrack are compensations.
The XR8’s leaf-spring rear end looks to be a big handicap but that doesn’t really transpire through the bends.
Of course, throw some really lumpy tarmac into the mix and the back end is noticeably more skittish than the sedan, but for the most part it’s quite well behaved.
The seats are supportive, there’s heaps of space and the ample steering adjustment puts a comfortable driving position within easy reach.
Ford has spent plenty of time on the details. The 12-volt power outlet and stereo’s auxiliary input are grouped together for handy MP3 player connection, while optional iPod integration operate the device via the dash and steering wheel-mounted controls.
A bit of a work in progress here, with twin airbags, anti-lock brakes and traction control standard but no stability control, though it is coming soon.
The case for the XR8 isn’t quite so clear-cut. Poor surfaces expose the suspension’s lack of sophistication, a shortcoming not really balanced by its paltry 32 kilogram payload advantage over its direct Commodore rival. The (temporary) lack of stability control is another big blemish.
Ultimately, though, the XR8 ute’s many improvements and immense charm are enough to outweigh such concerns. It looks good, sounds great and rings most of the right performance and handling bells, and for many buyers that will be enough.
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